Pensioner drives 10km wrong way down A55

A lost and exhausted motorist drove the wrong way down a dual carriageway after setting off 14 hours earlier – on a 110km (70-mile) journey to the seaside.

John Marsden admitted dangerous driving and was banned for a year (Andrew Price picture)

Magistrates heard how 86-year-old John Marsden left his home in Bolton at 8.30am on July 10 with a book of maps.

He intended to spend a fortnight in a caravan near Rhyl, north Wales – a 90-minute drive away. But at 11pm police received several calls about his Vauxhall Cavalier driving west on the A55, in the eastbound lane.

He had covered 10km (six miles) at about 40mph in the outside lane narrowly avoiding oncoming cars.

The wartime RAF driver appeared at Llandudno court proudly wearing his service medals and a blue beret.

Marsden was described as ‘very independent’ but now uses a mobility scooter. He said: ‘I was a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists for 20 years. I’ve blotted my copybook.

‘I was lost and had gone backwards and forwards asking how to get to Rhyl, but no one seemed to agree. I didn’t get my holiday.’

He admitted dangerous driving and was banned for a year with a conditional discharge.